Louisiana Boaters Can Take Free Boating Safety Course at Home

BATON ROUGE, La., June 28, 2011 – The new Online Boating Safety Course provided by the BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water is now approved by Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) that allows the state’s boaters to take the course at no cost in the comfort of their own home. For boat owners, taking the course could also earn a discount on their boat insurance.

“We’ve loaded the course with interactive animations, videos and photos to give boaters, sailors and anglers an education that goes well beyond the basics of boating,” said BoatUS Foundation President Chris Edmonston. “It includes videos that demonstrate important safety devices, such as visual distress signals, how to get help in an emergency, how to prevent and extinguish fires aboard your boat, and the best way to fit a life jacket to a child so they will not slip out,” he added.

“The best part of all is the course is free and can be taken at home, and it’s designed so that you can stop and then continue at any time. I will guarantee that everyone will learn something new,” said Edmonston.

Pelican state boaters born after January 1, 1984, must complete a boating education course and carry proof of completion to operate a motorboat in excess of 10 horsepower. LDWF initiated the state's boating education program in 2003 and has certified over 40,000 boaters during that time.

"The department wants to provide as many opportunities as possible for people to get their boating safety certification," said Lt. Col. Jeff Mayne, the state's boating law administrator. "Since the course is free and people can take it at home, we want to encourage everybody to give it a try – even those that don't need their certification. This free online course will teach new boaters how to become safer on the water and old boaters some new tips."

The online course and exam is also approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators and recognized by the US Coast Guard as exceeding the minimum requirements for the National Recreational Boating Safety Program.

The BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water is a national leader promoting safe, clean and responsible boating. Funded primarily by the half million members of BoatUS, it provides innovative educational outreach directly to boaters and anglers with the aim of reducing accidents and fatalities, increasing stewardship of America's waterways and keeping boating safe for all. To make a tax-deductible donation to this 501(c)(3) nonprofit, go to www.BoatUS.com/foundation.